A’s call up pitcher who hit Robles for series vs Mariners
Aug 22, 2025, 2:36 PM
The Athletics are at T-Mobile Park this weekend for a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, and they just called up a name on Friday that M’s fans have heard recently.
Mariners’ series vs A’s suddenly ‘really big,’ says MLB Network’s Morosi
That would be right-hander Joey Estes, who was the pitcher involved in Mariners outfielder Victor Robles’ bat-tossing outburst last Sunday in a Triple-A game.
In the third inning of the game between the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle’s Triple-A affiliate) and the Las Vegas Aviators (A’s affiliate), Estes threw a fastball high and inside that connected with Robles, who was mid-swing when the pitch sailed into him. Robles threw his bat in Estes’ direction in frustration, then walked towards the mound while yelling.
Robles, who is on a rehab assignment working his way back from a shoulder injury, was immediately ejected. He also threw a tub full of bags of sunflower seeds on the field before going to the clubhouse.
Robles was handed a 10-game suspension from MLB on Tuesday, which he is appealing. He is allowed to continue his rehab assignment during the appeal.
Don’t bank on Mariners’ Robles getting suspension reduced
The pitch that led to Robles’ outburst was not only was the fifth time that he had been hit while on his assignment (two pitches of which were technically strikes because he was in the process of swinging when he was hit), but three of those pitches were made by Estes. Additionally, Estes hit Robles in an MLB game last season.
The 23-year-old Estes has previously pitched in two games for the A’s this year, allowing 12 runs over seven innings for a 15.43 ERA. In Triple-A this year, he has a 5.51 ERA over 80 innings (17 games, 15 starts).
The A’s made a few other moves Friday, including the activation of rookie and All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson, the son of former Mariners infielder Jack Wilson, from the 10-day injured list. Righty pitcher Eduarniel Núñez is also coming up from Las Vegas along with Estes, while pitchers Jack Perkins and Ben Bowden were placed on the 15-day IL, and infielder Max Schuemann was optioned to Triple-A.
The three-game Mariners-A’s series begins at 7:10 p.m. Friday with Bryan Woo (Seattle) and Luis Morales (Athletics) set to start on the mound. Radio coverage on Seattle Sports begins at 6 p.m. with the pregame show.
More on the Seattle Mariners
• Mariners trying Emerson Hancock in ‘pen has former reliever intrigued
• Why insider believes Mariners will pass Astros to win AL West
• Brock and Salk: The impact of a concerning Mariners trend
• How Mariners’ 2025 draft picks are faring so far in minors
• Two top Mariners prospects impress in debuts with High-A Everett
